Free COVID-19 testing to take place in Northwoods

The Wisconsin National Guard is responding to a request for assistance from local health departments to scale up COVID-19 nasal swab testing.

Oneida, Iron, Forest, Lincoln, Price and Vilas counties are collaborating to host two community testing events in Oneida County. The drive-through style swab testing will take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Lakeland Union High School parking lot in Minocqua and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the James Williams Middle School parking lot in Rhinelander.

In a press release issued Wednesday, May 13, the health department stated two goals of the community testing.

Provide the communities with mass testing;

Give public health an increased inside into how widespread COVID-19 is in each of the communities.

Anyone five years of age and older with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea can get tested.

These events are only available to people that live or work in Wisconsin. ANYONE TESTED WHO HAS SYMPTOMS WILL BE EXPECTED TO SELF-ISOLATE UNTIL TEST RESULTS COME BACK.

Anyone tested will need to provide a current address; county of residence and phone number and the health department asks that everyone wear a mask or cloth face covering. The tests are free. If testing kits run out before the end of the events, those not tested may be turned away. There may be a potential wait time; people are expected to form a line in their vehicles or modes of transportation and stay in/on those vehicles at all times.

The National Guard will be performing the testing. They will be in uniform and in full PPE, including gowns, mask and gloves. In addition to these two testing locations, any Wisconsin resident is welcome to attend any one of several testing sites through the state in May.